In light of the rampant, recent homophobic rise of discrimination around the globe, supported by right-wing governments and new legislation aimed towards stripping LGBT of their rights – a new campaign titled #HoldTight encourages gays to stay visable, and express their love freely by holding hands in public.

As part of the campaign we have also developed a piece of wearable tech – a custom wristband, which will be distributed exclusively at Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras and the Auckland Pride Festival. The wristband is a first of its kind and uses infrared to detect proximity between two wearers, lighting up when their hands come together and hold tight. Our GAYTMs will be returning, with our two Oxford Street machines themselves ‘holding tight’. As in previous years, all transaction fees from the GAYTMs will go to support Twenty10. In New Zealand there will be two GAYTMs, one at 45 Queen St and one at ANZ Ponsonby along the Auckland Pride Parade route. We’ll be donating 50 cents for ever transaction on the GAYTMs to support OUTLine. As much a celebration of holding hands, #HOLDTIGHT is also a message of our support for the community and their ongoing campaign for equality. It is recognition that equality has come a long way, but that it still has a way to go, and is a message to the community to stay strong.